John Boyega

John Adedayo B. Adegboyega (born 17 March 1992), known professionally as John Boyega, is an English actor

Quotes

• I’m black British and I’m from London. And that in itself is something that the world doesn’t know about yet. I met American people – civilians of a first-world country – who were confused that there were black people in London. That’s why entertainment is so special, it’s a great chance to bring people together and open them up to things they haven’t seen before.
  • On the importance of showing Black British people in “John Boyega: I've met Americans who don't know black people live in London” in The Guardian (2019 Dec 5)

• At the age of nine I found it a weird concept that someone is here one day and not the next. I didn’t understand what that truly meant. It was so big. I’d never heard of murders in London before then. A little kid running around with your packed lunch and your superheroes.
  • On the murder of his childhood friend Damilola Taylor in “John Boyega: I've met Americans who don't know black people live in London” in The Guardian (2019 Dec 5)

• I ain't paying money to always see one type of person on-screen…Because you see different people from different backgrounds, different cultures, every day. Even if you're a racist, you have to live with that. We can ruffle up some feathers.
  • On the diversity in Star Wars in “John Boyega on Star Wars, Detroit, and Staying Sane with the Help of Robert Downey Jr.” in GQ Magazine (2017 Jul 17)

• Even in terms of the beginning stage of the career, obstacles are something that you get so used to. The uncertainty of your life. You’ll always exist in a weird balance because you’re going for a career that’s somewhat unrealistic and not all success. There’s always challenges and you’ve gotta get through it or you’re beaten by it. It creates this kind of discipline, in a sense.
  • On being an actor in “John Boyega, Star Wars Hero, Stays Up Too Late Watching The Affair” in W Magazine (2018 Jul 12)

External links